Has the world become more democratic over the years?

Please go to - http://www.businessinsider.com/this-chart-proves-that-the-world-has-gotten-significantly-more-democratic-over-the-last-30-years-2015-5

1.  Has the world become more democratic?

2.  Does it really make a difference?

3.  Would our country be better off as a republican or democratic society and why?